JoshC.

I went on the BTS tour of the park today. Great tour it should be said; it was headed up by Russ, who is a fantastic speaker.
 
I did mean to ask about the screen, but honestly forgot. It does seem like it won't be fixed for start of season (I believe the park said this in the passholder group a few weeks back too). A real shame. Hopefully they can hide the dead pixels with whatever they put on the screen.
 
Okay, now time for some updates. Everything is still a Work in Progress it should be stressed
 
Toilets
Loo enthusiasts rejoice. All the toilets have received some love.

Swarm toilets. The walls have been painted green (originally white), and no more foot pedal sinks
 


Megastore toilets are nicely themed
 
Tidal Wave

The rebuilt bridge, with the original Pier 13 style.
The fire effect is proving very tricky to implement, but is being planned still
 
Big Easy Boulevard



 
Stealth




 
Colossus

The park have released that the entrance is a bit flat, and so are looking to add more colour/depth to it, although this will happen mid-season.

The shop front looks nice.
 
In terms of the rest of the repaint, and indeed a Sparkle Project continuation, the park hope to do that either next closed season, or the closed season after. The park want to do it regardless, and recognise they need to keep up appearances - literally - now that they've started to do this. Personally, I hope it happens next closed season, as it does look a little jarring in places.
 
The park is looking lovely though, with the Hyperia area coming along and looking smart. There's other small updates too, such as KFC getting refitted and other new food places. Some parts of the park are still a bit tired looking / haven't really been touched. Rumba/Inferno is the big example I would say. And the Sparkling up does highlight how tatty some parts of that area, and the likes of Swarm and Saw, look. I do wonder if this means that, come opening, some enthusiasts will focus too much on those and not the fab stuff that we've seen heavily documented and shouted out about.
 
But yes, it's clear to see the park have put time, effort and money into things this winter, and they're taking strides in the right direction. I'm excited to see what will happen and hope their plans pay off!

I went on the BTS tour of the park today. Great tour it should be said; it was headed up by Russ, who is a fantastic speaker.
 
I did mean to ask about the screen, but honestly forgot. It does seem like it won't be fixed for start of season (I believe the park said this in the passholder group a few weeks back too). A real shame. Hopefully they can hide the dead pixels with whatever they put on the screen.
 
Okay, now time for some updates. Everything is still a Work in Progress it should be stressed
 
Toilets
Loo enthusiasts rejoice. All the toilets have received some love.

Swarm toilets. The walls have been painted green (originally white), and no more foot pedal sinks
 


Megastore toilets are nicely themed
 
Tidal Wave

The rebuilt bridge, with the original Pier 13 style.
The fire effect is proving very tricky to implement, but is being planned still
 
Big Easy Boulevard



 
Stealth




 
Colossus

The park have released that the entrance is a bit flat, and so are looking to add more colour/depth to it, although this will happen mid-season.

The shop front looks nice.
 
In terms of the rest of the repaint, and indeed a Sparkle Project continuation, the park hope to do that either next closed season, or the closed season after. The park want to do it regardless, and recognise they need to keep up appearances - literally - now that they've started to do this. Personally, I hope it happens next closed season, as it does look a little jarring in places.
 
The park is looking lovely though, with the Hyperia area coming along and looking smart. There's other small updates too, such as KFC getting refitted and other new food places. Some parts of the park are still a bit tired looking / haven't really been touched. Rumba/Inferno is the big example I would say. And the Sparkling up does highlight how tatty some parts of that area, and the likes of Swarm and Saw, look. I do wonder if this means that, come opening, some enthusiasts will focus too much on those and not the fab stuff that we've seen heavily documented and shouted out about.
 
But yes, it's clear to see the park have put time, effort and money into things this winter, and they're taking strides in the right direction. I'm excited to see what will happen and hope their plans pay off!

Watching peoples videos from the tour, the updates made do look nice! 
 
However, the flooring across the park needs to be replaced urgently. It actually brings down their work and by now should have all Covid markers pressure washed by now 

You'll have to forgive a bit of a link dump, but during a BTS tour I got to see a bit more of Hyperia and some fun facts...
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766791884666544449?t=c96RATcXM8UrrzRA8-7ObA&s=19
 
Some views of the site.
SRQ is confirmed. 
 
The ride will be complete in the next day or two, weather dependent, with trains arriving on site this week.
 
The exterior of the station building is complete. It was heavily suggested there will be some cool dispatch sequence in the station. 
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766797980240109858?t=0xMAcaISYwT5khd0YDG80Q&s=19
 
No on board audio
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766874159068455258?t=PDHRqEdLGuNipTVLBcEG_w&s=19
 
Hyperia is easily seen across the whole resort.
 
There will be a backstory to the ride. Not clear whether it's just a short piece they've written to appease geeks, or whether it will be conveyed in the area / queue line. It's fairly basic. I can't share what it is sadly, but yeah, it's a simple story. The ride doesn't need it anyways. 
 
In terms of the viewing area. This was planned but has been cut because it was later realised that it would require a lot of fencing which would ultimately distract from the whole area and the view.
 
The ride's camera point will either be at the bottom of the first drop or prior to the splash effect.
 
One final thing. The early thoughts for Hyperia were coming together in April 2020. The ride was approved by the old Merlin exec (ie Nick Varney, etc). This means that Hyperia is a sort of hybrid of Merlin philosophies, old and new. Had it been a 'new Merlin' project, it's possible that things might have been a bit different, with more theming / styling present.

I went on the BTS tour of the park today. Great tour it should be said; it was headed up by Russ, who is a fantastic speaker.
 
I did mean to ask about the screen, but honestly forgot. It does seem like it won't be fixed for start of season (I believe the park said this in the passholder group a few weeks back too). A real shame. Hopefully they can hide the dead pixels with whatever they put on the screen.
 
Okay, now time for some updates. Everything is still a Work in Progress it should be stressed
 
Toilets
Loo enthusiasts rejoice. All the toilets have received some love.

Swarm toilets. The walls have been painted green (originally white), and no more foot pedal sinks
 


Megastore toilets are nicely themed
 
Tidal Wave

The rebuilt bridge, with the original Pier 13 style.
The fire effect is proving very tricky to implement, but is being planned still
 
Big Easy Boulevard



 
Stealth




 
Colossus

The park have released that the entrance is a bit flat, and so are looking to add more colour/depth to it, although this will happen mid-season.

The shop front looks nice.
 
In terms of the rest of the repaint, and indeed a Sparkle Project continuation, the park hope to do that either next closed season, or the closed season after. The park want to do it regardless, and recognise they need to keep up appearances - literally - now that they've started to do this. Personally, I hope it happens next closed season, as it does look a little jarring in places.
 
The park is looking lovely though, with the Hyperia area coming along and looking smart. There's other small updates too, such as KFC getting refitted and other new food places. Some parts of the park are still a bit tired looking / haven't really been touched. Rumba/Inferno is the big example I would say. And the Sparkling up does highlight how tatty some parts of that area, and the likes of Swarm and Saw, look. I do wonder if this means that, come opening, some enthusiasts will focus too much on those and not the fab stuff that we've seen heavily documented and shouted out about.
 
But yes, it's clear to see the park have put time, effort and money into things this winter, and they're taking strides in the right direction. I'm excited to see what will happen and hope their plans pay off!

I went on the BTS tour of the park today. Great tour it should be said; it was headed up by Russ, who is a fantastic speaker.
 
I did mean to ask about the screen, but honestly forgot. It does seem like it won't be fixed for start of season (I believe the park said this in the passholder group a few weeks back too). A real shame. Hopefully they can hide the dead pixels with whatever they put on the screen.
 
Okay, now time for some updates. Everything is still a Work in Progress it should be stressed
 
Toilets
Loo enthusiasts rejoice. All the toilets have received some love.

Swarm toilets. The walls have been painted green (originally white), and no more foot pedal sinks
 


Megastore toilets are nicely themed
 
Tidal Wave

The rebuilt bridge, with the original Pier 13 style.
The fire effect is proving very tricky to implement, but is being planned still
 
Big Easy Boulevard



 
Stealth




 
Colossus

The park have released that the entrance is a bit flat, and so are looking to add more colour/depth to it, although this will happen mid-season.

The shop front looks nice.
 
In terms of the rest of the repaint, and indeed a Sparkle Project continuation, the park hope to do that either next closed season, or the closed season after. The park want to do it regardless, and recognise they need to keep up appearances - literally - now that they've started to do this. Personally, I hope it happens next closed season, as it does look a little jarring in places.
 
The park is looking lovely though, with the Hyperia area coming along and looking smart. There's other small updates too, such as KFC getting refitted and other new food places. Some parts of the park are still a bit tired looking / haven't really been touched. Rumba/Inferno is the big example I would say. And the Sparkling up does highlight how tatty some parts of that area, and the likes of Swarm and Saw, look. I do wonder if this means that, come opening, some enthusiasts will focus too much on those and not the fab stuff that we've seen heavily documented and shouted out about.
 
But yes, it's clear to see the park have put time, effort and money into things this winter, and they're taking strides in the right direction. I'm excited to see what will happen and hope their plans pay off!

I went on the BTS tour of the park today. Great tour it should be said; it was headed up by Russ, who is a fantastic speaker.
 
I did mean to ask about the screen, but honestly forgot. It does seem like it won't be fixed for start of season (I believe the park said this in the passholder group a few weeks back too). A real shame. Hopefully they can hide the dead pixels with whatever they put on the screen.
 
Okay, now time for some updates. Everything is still a Work in Progress it should be stressed
 
Toilets
Loo enthusiasts rejoice. All the toilets have received some love.

Swarm toilets. The walls have been painted green (originally white), and no more foot pedal sinks
 


Megastore toilets are nicely themed
 
Tidal Wave

The rebuilt bridge, with the original Pier 13 style.
The fire effect is proving very tricky to implement, but is being planned still
 
Big Easy Boulevard



 
Stealth




 
Colossus

The park have released that the entrance is a bit flat, and so are looking to add more colour/depth to it, although this will happen mid-season.

The shop front looks nice.
 
In terms of the rest of the repaint, and indeed a Sparkle Project continuation, the park hope to do that either next closed season, or the closed season after. The park want to do it regardless, and recognise they need to keep up appearances - literally - now that they've started to do this. Personally, I hope it happens next closed season, as it does look a little jarring in places.
 
The park is looking lovely though, with the Hyperia area coming along and looking smart. There's other small updates too, such as KFC getting refitted and other new food places. Some parts of the park are still a bit tired looking / haven't really been touched. Rumba/Inferno is the big example I would say. And the Sparkling up does highlight how tatty some parts of that area, and the likes of Swarm and Saw, look. I do wonder if this means that, come opening, some enthusiasts will focus too much on those and not the fab stuff that we've seen heavily documented and shouted out about.
 
But yes, it's clear to see the park have put time, effort and money into things this winter, and they're taking strides in the right direction. I'm excited to see what will happen and hope their plans pay off!

You'll have to forgive a bit of a link dump, but during a BTS tour I got to see a bit more of Hyperia and some fun facts...
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766791884666544449?t=c96RATcXM8UrrzRA8-7ObA&s=19
 
Some views of the site.
SRQ is confirmed. 
 
The ride will be complete in the next day or two, weather dependent, with trains arriving on site this week.
 
The exterior of the station building is complete. It was heavily suggested there will be some cool dispatch sequence in the station. 
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766797980240109858?t=0xMAcaISYwT5khd0YDG80Q&s=19
 
No on board audio
 
https://twitter.com/ThorpeParkMania/status/1766874159068455258?t=PDHRqEdLGuNipTVLBcEG_w&s=19
 
Hyperia is easily seen across the whole resort.
 
There will be a backstory to the ride. Not clear whether it's just a short piece they've written to appease geeks, or whether it will be conveyed in the area / queue line. It's fairly basic. I can't share what it is sadly, but yeah, it's a simple story. The ride doesn't need it anyways. 
 
In terms of the viewing area. This was planned but has been cut because it was later realised that it would require a lot of fencing which would ultimately distract from the whole area and the view.
 
The ride's camera point will either be at the bottom of the first drop or prior to the splash effect.
 
One final thing. The early thoughts for Hyperia were coming together in April 2020. The ride was approved by the old Merlin exec (ie Nick Varney, etc). This means that Hyperia is a sort of hybrid of Merlin philosophies, old and new. Had it been a 'new Merlin' project, it's possible that things might have been a bit different, with more theming / styling present.

Damn I'd forgotten about this.
 
Swarm was also meant to have a viewing area of sorts that took you up to the helicopter. 
 
There's a reoccurring theme here....

Jeez this topic completely missed the MASSIVE fire that happened at the under construction waterpark.
 
In more positive news, the Helix music is now on Spotify. That's my listening sorted.

Lady Di is riding it with Sir Capt. Tom & Baby P.

The lack of viewing area is a real shame.
 
At the same time, it was always in a silly location, since it could only be located after going on the ride, or by going through the exit shop. So logistically it was a bit weird.
 
Still, that's not enough to have put a damper on it. Just wish it could have happened; overlooking the lake and getting the view of the ride would have been awesome.

Where's the stupid post guy when you need him? Nowhere to be seen? I'll fill in...
 
Ding dong, the Express is dead
Which Express?
The Rocky Express.

Where's the stupid post guy when you need him? Nowhere to be seen? I'll fill in...
 
Ding dong, the Express is dead
Which Express?
The Rocky Express.

My biggest gripe is they haven't pointlessly renamed Vibes bar again, what on earth are they thinking?
 
Interesting that Detty says about a "finale" - some sort of fireworks related effect perhaps or reading too much into it?

Interesting one that.
 
It's on the load side, but away from the entrance to the station, and too far in to be part of a front row queue, or where staff would stand during dispatch.
 
My best guest at the moment would be a storage room, either for computers which might control AV in the station or for staff uniform, if they decide to have themed/styled uniforms for the ride. Could also be used to store evac equipment, etc.
 
Or they're forward thinking, and they'll put the computers that run the VR in there when they chuck compulsory headsets on in Year 3 😉

The Shark Cabins were only on a temporary planning permission until the end of this month.
 
They are now set to stay longer.
 
 
Whether the park are still, long-term, considering a "permanent" hotel is unclear. I guess we'll wait and see. But I guess for now, there's more important things to focus on.

Interesting one that.
 
It's on the load side, but away from the entrance to the station, and too far in to be part of a front row queue, or where staff would stand during dispatch.
 
My best guest at the moment would be a storage room, either for computers which might control AV in the station or for staff uniform, if they decide to have themed/styled uniforms for the ride. Could also be used to store evac equipment, etc.
 
Or they're forward thinking, and they'll put the computers that run the VR in there when they chuck compulsory headsets on in Year 3 😉

The park have recently announced that this year's Mardi Gras event will be taking place from 29th March to 14th April, as opposed to in May. They also currently have an early bird ticket offer, where if you book for a visit before 25th April by the start of March, your entrance ticket costs £29.
 
I'd say both of those show that it won't open in April (as it's the park's way of getting people to visit).
 
May still feels possible. I'd say track will completed by mid-March. Given there's already been a lot of electrical work, 2 months for testing, landscaping, styling (which has also already started) feels plausible.
 
So yeah, I'm saying mid-to-late May is likely the aim at the moment.

Whilst the park have been pretty good at tarting up the park in recent years, I will hold my breath on Slammer's removal. They've said it before (internally, admittedly) and they've publicly said stuff that hasn't happened or been delayed (Tidal fire, Stealth SRQ, etc). 
 
Obviously it makes sense to remove it and put a ride in its place, given the proximity to Hyperia, but we shall see.
 
As for Labyrinth, obviously it's been a prime spot for Fright Nights mazes. And of course, it's good to have a permanently set up maze, rather than having to re-build a maze each year. At the same time, it's not the largest space, and with mazes being upcharge, I'm not sure they can create a standard maze which is worth the £10 charge..
So it might be a prime spot for a different type of experience. Whether it's an alone experience, a non-maze experience or something else, I think that's the direction the park should go with that space, if they choose to use it for FN. I'm also not sure 4 upcharge indoor mazes is the way the park needs to go.

Yes it is and if you think otherwise you're delusional.

Something is missing from the app...

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3DwDhTt2jh/?igsh=cXZmYjBrYTR4dTdl
 
The main drop is twisting up

Only if they do ride access pass 💅

Sparkle Project update here, courtesy of Jack Silkstone's Twitter - lovely to see an easter egg of a mini replica of the Swarm station being installed outside Tidal Wave 🤩